JRS Sales and Consulting t/a JRS Solutionshttps://www.kzntopbusinesswomen.com/team/seshmi-holloway Up Home Up Latest News JRS Sales and Consulting t/a JRS Solutions VISION To be a globally recognised leader in integrated security and electronics automation, delivering innovative, reliable, and sustainable solutions that empower communities and businesses − while expanding nationally and internationally through credibility, proven performance, and long-term client relationships. MISSION To deliver reliable, high-quality solutions that grow JRS Solutions into a focused, profitable business − built on consistent service, a loyal customer base, and a strong, trusted presence in the marketplace. CEO: Seshme Holloway TD: Irwin Holloway ADVANCED INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGY JRS Solutions is a dynamic and innovative South African technology company specialising in advanced security, automation, and information and communications technology (ICT) solutions. Based in Durban, the business has established itself as a trusted provider of tailored surveillance, access control and networking and for residential, commercial and industrial clients. JRS Solutions are also specialists in port automation and terminal solutions. As a 100% Black female-owned enterprise, JRS Solutions strongly represents transformation, entrepreneurship and technical excellence within the South African technology sector. Founded on a vision of integrating cutting-edge technology with practical security and automation solutions, JRS Solutions combines deep technical expertise with a passion for service excellence. Over more than a decade of operation, the company has built an extensive portfolio of projects and longstanding client partnerships. It provides customised, state-of-the-art systems that enhance asset protection, operational efficiency, and peace of mind for organisations and individuals alike. Core Values JRS Solutions is guided by a commitment to innovation, reliability, and social impact. Its core values emphasise: Client-centred design − delivering tailored solutions that directly meet specific operational and security requirements. Technology leadership − utilising the latest advances in AI-driven surveillance and automated control systems. Operational excellence − ensuring quality and reliability across all phases of design, supply, installation, and maintenance. Empowerment & transformation − driving meaningful economic impact as a Black female-owned business in a competitive technology market. The company envisions a future where advanced security and ICT systems are accessible and sustainable, enabling smarter, safer communities throughout South Africa and beyond. Service Portfolio JRS Solutions offers a comprehensive suite of services that span the full technology lifecycle − from consulting and solution design through to installation and support. Major areas of expertise include: Tailored CCTV Solutions JRS Solutions designs and implements customised CCTV systems for residential, commercial, and industrial properties. These systems are built using high-quality cameras and advanced analytics to provide reliable monitoring and real-time visibility. Access Control Systems The company delivers a wide range of access control technologies, including biometric scanners, card readers, facial recognition, tag readers, turnstiles, and gate automation. These solutions are designed to secure access points, streamline traffic flow, and enhance overall site security. Networking Solutions Beyond security, JRS Solutions provides structured networking services for homes and businesses, including network design, installation, and manage-ment. These services ensure robust communication infrastructure that supports both daily operations and future growth. Port Automation A standout component of the company’s portfolio is its involvement in port automation. Since 2018, JRS Solutions has worked with Camco Technologies to install and maintain advanced automation equipment at major South African container terminals, including Transnet Durban Container Terminals and the port of Ngqura. This work positions the business at the forefront of industrial technological integration in logistics. Strategic Growth & Development The journey of JRS Solutions has been marked by strategic growth and resilience. In 2019, the company secured support from the Action ESD Fund − specialist enterprise and supplier development initiative focused on empowering high-potential Blackowned businesses. With this backing, JRS Solutions gained access to working capital, mentorship, and operational coaching, enabling it to overcome growth constraints and scale to meet national demand. Over the following years, the company expanded its workforce, enhanced internal systems, and secured high-value contracts with major clients, including Transnet, ABSA, Standard Bank, and Life Healthcare. After successfully exiting the Action ESD Fund, JRS Solutions is accelerating its expansion into cloud-based security and renewable energy solutions. With a continued focus on innovation and African market growth, the company acknowledges Incuvest’s critical grant support in enabling its progress. Leadership The leadership team at JRS Solutions brings togeth- er entrepreneurial vision and technical expertise. Seshme Holloway, the managing director, is a dynamic leader whose passion for technology and empowerment drives the company’s growth and social impact. Under her guidance, JRS Solutions has achieved significant milestones and cultivated a reputation for excellence and integrity. Headed by Irwin Holloway, technical direction is provided by seasoned professionals who ensure that clients receive solutions that are not only technically advanced but also aligned with real-world needs. Corporate Social Responsibility Aligned with its foundational values, JRS Solutions places a strong emphasis on social impact. As a Black female-owned business, it actively contributes to economic transformation by creating jobs, developing technical skills within its workforce, and supporting national objectives related to empowerment and inclusive growth. Client Relationships & Market Reach JRS Solutions stands out as a forward-thinking technology company that blends innovation, quality, and customer focus to deliver impactful solutions. Through continued investment in people, systems and partnerships, JRS Solutions exemplifies resilience, adaptability and excellence in a rapidly evolving technology landscape. www.jrssolutions.co.za CONTACT DETAILS Physical Address: Unit 7, 20 Moreland Drive, Redhill, 4051 Tel: +27 (0)31 811 2738 E-mail: seshme@jrssolutions.co.za Website: www.jrssolutions.co.za BRANCHES Port Elizabeth Leaders Profile Latest News Company News Blog Keep up with the latest trends and insights. Check out our blog today! Read More Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

< Back Natasha Naidoo

The DFO was established by the eThekwini Municipality as a sector development office and is mandated to promote and support the development of local film and television industry in Durban. The DFO has spearheaded several developmental programmes to build capacity and awareness of the local industry, one of these being the Ethekwini Filmmakers Association (EFA) in 2011Durban Film Office (DFO)Toni MontyDurban Film Office (DFO), the eThekwini Municipality’s film industry development unit, was established in 2003. “The film industry is not merely about the creative process and end product, there is an entire value chain that benefits from it: from locations and infrastructure, logistics and services, hospitality and catering, post production and distribution amongst other things,” said Toni Monty, head of the Durban Film Office. The DFO was established by the eThekwini Municipality as a sector development office and is mandated to promote and support the development of local film and television industry in Durban. The DFO has spearheaded several developmental programmes to build capacity and awareness of the local industry, one of these being the Ethekwini Filmmakers Association (EFA) in 2011. A Micro Budget Film Fund was established in 2012 and provides emerging filmmakers with an opportunity to produce their first film within a mentoring environment. The DFO established its Development Fund, designed to assist intermediate and professional filmmakers to package film projects for the broader market and increase capacity to attract production funding from provincial and national funding agencies and private investors. The DFO has developed a Location Scout Service, to further incentivise local and foreign productions to scout Durban as a potential location for their next project. SCOUT is a programme to provide and develop local location scouts and expose young and previously disadvantaged filmmakers to the business of location scouting and eventually full location management. Durban has played host to many film productions that have gone on to be either box-office hits or snapped up for the global festival circuit. Successful films include: Izulu Lami, Otello Burning, Keeping up with the Kandasamys (with a sequel about to be launched this year), White Wedding, the Spud series, More than Just a Game and Deep End. The DFO statistics illustrate the growth of the industry. Its permit office works with an average of 150 productions per annum, issuing in the region of 250 film permits annually. Since 2003 the DFO has assisted over 3000 productions to film in eThekwini locations which has created employment of over 30 000 crew days. These production activities contribute more than R329 million to the local economy annually. Durban FilmMart 2020 The Durban FilmMart (DFM), Africa’s leading film market was established as an independent institute functioning as a Non-Profit Organisation ahead of its 11th edition in 2020. “This had always been part of the business plan of Durban FilmMart since its establishment in 2009,” explains Monty. “With the continued growth and expansion of the initiative, as well as the continuous increase in numbers of delegates, and submissions of projects in development, which have this year, surpassed any other in our 11-year history, the current structure has been outgrown, and sustainable long term strategies now need to be implemented.” The DFM has been a programme of the Durban Film Office in partnership with the Durban International Film Festival since 2009. “Going forward the DFO will continue to support the DFM, and the institute structure will allow possibilities for new partnerships and fundraising, that will ensure the growth and continued stability of the annual initiative,” says Monty. “Most importantly, the new institute will open greater opportunities for the Durban FilmMart to continue playing an important role in promoting African film and television content.” The film industry, like many other sectors, has been severely disrupted in this global pandemic. With no definitive end in sight, it may well be a long time before it will be business as usual. The disruption steered the 2020 Durban FilmMart to go online this year, which gave filmmakers an opportunity to gather in a virtual space to collaborate, plan, and discuss a way forward. “With such a severe disruption to our industry, it is vital that we work together to find solutions for the survival and development of African film content,” said Monty. “There is no doubt about it: the “new normal” is not going to go away too soon, and we need to collaborate, adapt, and find workable and viable solutions. The DFM 2020 allows filmmakers to unpack, discuss, and plot new ways of going forward to the benefit of all and for the future development of our markets in Africa.” DFO Sector Strategy Going forward, and in consultation with the industry, the DFO has developed a Sector Strategy, which will essentially focus on: • Growing the local business network to encourage local film business formalisation • Encouraging new market entrants • Growing the existing content development and market access programmes • Attracting film and television hubs to the City • Promoting “Digital Durban” which will aim to attract post-production and visual effect opportunities Finally, the DFO aims to grow a film service culture through a strong marketing approach to uncover, showcase and promote the services available in the City and to build a film service community and promote Durban as a Film Friendly City. Full Name of Company: Durban Film Office (DFO) Department of eThekwini Municipality’s Economic Development and Investment Promotion Unit Nature of Business: A wide range of facilitation and support services that are accustomed to servicing anything from television to major motion picture Services / Products: Development funding Date Established: 2003 Customer Base: Filmmakers KEY PERSONNEL Head of Durban Film Office: Toni Monty Marketing Manager: Sharon Ngcobo Project Manager: Fezile Peko Film Co-Ordinator: Bongumusa Ntuli CONTACT DETAILS Physical Address: 11th Floor, Rennies House, 41 Margaret Mncadi Avenue, Durban Postal Address: P.O. Box 5856, Durban, 4000 Tel: +27 (0)31 311 4243 E-mail: filmdurban@durban.gov.za Website: www.durbanfilmoffice.com Toni Monty Growing A Film Service Culture Durban Film Office (DFO), the eThekwini Municipality’s film industry development unit, was established in 2003. “The film industry is not merely about the creative process and end product, there is an entire value chain that benefits from it: from locations and infrastructure, logistics and services, hospitality and catering, post production and distribution amongst other things,” said Toni Monty, head of the Durban Film Office. The DFO was established by the eThekwini Municipality as a sector development office and is mandated to promote and support the development of local film and television industry in Durban. The DFO has spearheaded several developmental programmes to build capacity and awareness of the local industry, one of these being the Ethekwini Filmmakers Association (EFA) in 2011. A Micro Budget Film Fund was established in 2012 and provides emerging filmmakers with an opportunity to produce their first film within a mentoring environment. The DFO established its Development Fund, designed to assist intermediate and professional filmmakers to package film projects for the broader market and increase capacity to attract production funding from provincial and national funding agencies and private investors. The DFO has developed a Location Scout Service, to further incentivise local and foreign productions to scout Durban as a potential location for their next project. SCOUT is a programme to provide and develop local location scouts and expose young and previously disadvantaged filmmakers to the business of location scouting and eventually full location management. Durban has played host to many film productions that have gone on to be either box-office hits or snapped up for the global festival circuit. Successful films include: Izulu Lami, Otello Burning, Keeping up with the Kandasamys (with a sequel about to be launched this year), White Wedding, the Spud series, More than Just a Game and Deep End. The DFO statistics illustrate the growth of the industry. Its permit office works with an average of 150 productions per annum, issuing in the region of 250 film permits annually. Since 2003 the DFO has assisted over 3000 productions to film in eThekwini locations which has created employment of over 30 000 crew days. These production activities contribute more than R329 million to the local economy annually. Durban FilmMart 2020 The Durban FilmMart (DFM), Africa’s leading film market was established as an independent institute functioning as a Non-Profit Organisation ahead of its 11th edition in 2020. “This had always been part of the business plan of Durban FilmMart since its establishment in 2009,” explains Monty. “With the continued growth and expansion of the initiative, as well as the continuous increase in numbers of delegates, and submissions of projects in development, which have this year, surpassed any other in our 11-year history, the current structure has been outgrown, and sustainable long term strategies now need to be implemented.” The DFM has been a programme of the Durban Film Office in partnership with the Durban International Film Festival since 2009. “Going forward the DFO will continue to support the DFM, and the institute structure will allow possibilities for new partnerships and fundraising, that will ensure the growth and continued stability of the annual initiative,” says Monty. “Most importantly, the new institute will open greater opportunities for the Durban FilmMart to continue playing an important role in promoting African film and television content.” The film industry, like many other sectors, has been severely disrupted in this global pandemic. With no definitive end in sight, it may well be a long time before it will be business as usual. The disruption steered the 2020 Durban FilmMart to go online this year, which gave filmmakers an opportunity to gather in a virtual space to collaborate, plan, and discuss a way forward. “With such a severe disruption to our industry, it is vital that we work together to find solutions for the survival and development of African film content,” said Monty. “There is no doubt about it: the “new normal” is not going to go away too soon, and we need to collaborate, adapt, and find workable and viable solutions. The DFM 2020 allows filmmakers to unpack, discuss, and plot new ways of going forward to the benefit of all and for the future development of our markets in Africa.” DFO Sector Strategy Going forward, and in consultation with the industry, the DFO has developed a Sector Strategy, which will essentially focus on: • Growing the local business network to encourage local film business formalisation • Encouraging new market entrants • Growing the existing content development and market access programmes • Attracting film and television hubs to the City • Promoting “Digital Durban” which will aim to attract post-production and visual effect opportunities Finally, the DFO aims to grow a film service culture through a strong marketing approach to uncover, showcase and promote the services available in the City and to build a film service community and promote Durban as a Film Friendly City. Full Name of Company: Durban Film Office (DFO) Department of eThekwini Municipality’s Economic Development and Investment Promotion Unit Nature of Business: A wide range of facilitation and support services that are accustomed to servicing anything from television to major motion picture Services / Products: Development funding Date Established: 2003 Customer Base: Filmmakers KEY PERSONNEL Head of Durban Film Office: Toni Monty Marketing Manager: Sharon Ngcobo Project Manager: Fezile Peko Film Co-Ordinator: Bongumusa Ntuli CONTACT DETAILS Physical Address: 11th Floor, Rennies House, 41 Margaret Mncadi Avenue, Durban Postal Address: P.O. Box 5856, Durban, 4000 Tel: +27 (0)31 311 4243 E-mail: filmdurban@durban.gov.za Website: www.durbanfilmoffice.com Durban Film Office (DFO) The DFO was established by the eThekwini Municipality as a sector development office and is mandated to promote and support the development of local film and television industry in Durban. The DFO has spearheaded several developmental programmes to build capacity and awareness of the local industry, one of these being the Ethekwini Filmmakers Association (EFA) in 2011

< Back Mpume Langa

Up Home Up Reshma Maharaj RESHMA MAHARAJ is the founder of a group of companies. GR Extra Space offers low-cost affordable mobile solutions including log cabins, classrooms, offices as well as manufactures jungle gyms. Heartbeat Training Academy is fully accredited and offers health and safety training, including First Aid – Level 1,2 and 3, basic firefighting, risk assessment safety officer, and health and safety SHE Rep training. The third company that Reshma manages and operates, Enspired Women Magazine, is her passion. This platform inspires ordinary women and youth to become financially stable. Reshma explains, “On this platform, we educate, promote, inspire. We take women through different levels of mentorship and coaching where they use their skills to generate an income. Most of the time, this includes women that have been abused or women who have struggled through their journeys. We hope that by using their new skills, they can have some financial stability.” Currently, Reshma says that her greatest achievement has been having her business operations still open during the erratic business times of the Covid pandemic. Other achievements have been the many national, regional, and international awards that the group of companies has taken, which is a great achievement in their portfolio. Rehma commented, “It took years to build the brand, especially our core business and for us, this recognition shows business growth. We do create a lot of direct and indirect jobs through the different companies that we manage and operate.” “Another achievement was being the speaker at the World Women Conference, where I took a standing ovation for building the ordinary women and youth around you,” added Reshma. Reshma’s biggest inspiration she would say is her late dad. “I was always inspired by his business tenacity. He was always business minded. We sat and talked about shop. He was always encouraging us not to give up. He taught us how to swim through the recession periods over the years and one thing that stood out was that he reminded us that your workplace is not your comfort zone. You’ve got to give it that effort, you’ve got to work hard and make sure that you achieve your goals and be successful.” There are two brilliant women that Reshma is grateful to – her mentor, Vani Moodley and Fatima Sarigat from SmartXchange. “These women would drive you to see your capabilities, because sometimes you are so confined behind that desk, you don’t see beyond that space,” she commented. Reshma explained that Vani has taken her from a confined space and thrown her into the deep end. Without her mentorship and coaching, she does not think that she would have taken the manufacturing business to the lengths that she has taken it to. “I’m an entrepreneur, but sometimes you need that little push and guidance along the way,” said Reshma. The company started manufacturing storage unit and is now building and manufacturing mobile classrooms, site offices, container conversions, and clinics. Some of Reshma’s biggest challenges faced were during Covid and she said that her late dad’s words stuck with her. “He taught me how to swim through these challenges and for me it is not putting my signature on everything I need. I have to understand, is it a need or is it a want. Covid has taught us lots of lessons and I’m grateful for his advice. Now that I sit here, I’m ready to take the business to new levels.” One of Reshma’s future goals is to see her brand expand, especially on the Heartbeat and Enspired sides. She would love to see them reach a global level. With technology, she said, now everything is possible, and you can sit in your own space and be training and facilitating at an international level. In advising younger women, Reshma says that they need to love what they do. “They need to have confidence in themselves, they need to be passionate about what they are doing, and they need to understand that life is a journey, it’s not a competition. If you are going to think of life as a competition, you are going to focus on competition instead of the journey. Every day is a new step for you to start something new. Women need to be brave, bold and be confident and be passionate in what they are doing.” Reshma is a wife and has been married for 25 years. She is a mom of two, and has a 22-year-old daughter, who is completing her last module in civil engineering this year, and a fourteen-year-old son. To relax, Reshma loves cooking for her family, and just being with them, because as she says life has become so busy. “I enjoy weekends, cooking and dabbling with flavours. I enjoy those long calls to my sister or to my sisters-in-law, I’m very family orientated, so for me, I look forward to the weekends to relax with my family.” FINAL THOUGHTS “Life in the last two years, I think has been really challenging for every woman, for every business and family. Given the opportunity to see a new day is the biggest blessing that anybody can ask for in life. If you are given another chance in life, get up and try again. Here’s your chance to make it work again.”

SearchWorks Up Home Up Latest News SearchWorks VISION To be South Africa’s trusted technology partner for data intelligence, verification and compliance, helping businesses make informed decisions and manage risk responsibly. MISSION To provide reliable, easy-to-use solutions that help clients access accurate information, meet regulatory requirements and strengthen the way they verify, onboard and assess the people and businesses they work with. Chantelle Frier Shaleen Govender Sphumelele Ndlovu POWERING SMARTER BUSINESS DECISIONS SW360 is South Africa’s leading data intelligence company, empowering businesses to verify, assess, and manage risk. Serving as the parent brand to SearchWorks and VOCA, SW360 delivers seamless access to real-time, verified data across industries enabling professionals to make informed decisions with speed and accuracy. Together, these solutions form a unified ecosystem that enables compliance, transparency, and operational efficiency in any business environment. SW360 helps businesses know who they are dealing with. Through SearchWorks and VOCA, the group gives professionals access to trusted data to support better decisions and stronger risk management. SearchWorks: South Africa’s largest data aggregation platform SearchWorks gives businesses access to live, accurate information across individuals, companies, properties, vehicles, credit records and other key data sources. With over 170 search types available, it helps professionals conduct due diligence, verify information, identify risk and access the records they need without dealing with multiple suppliers or manual processes. Designed for industries ranging from financial services and legal practices to property, government, and insurance, SearchWorks helps professionals conduct accurate KYC/KYB verification, validate assets and liabilities, and reduce the risks of fraud or non compliance. Its cloud-based platform ensures secure access and reliability, delivering results in seconds without unnecessary contractual lock-ins. VOCA: Compliance simplified VOCA supports accountable institutions with automated verification, onboarding and compliance processes aligned to FIC Act requirements. The solution helps businesses conduct KYC and KYB checks, screen against PEPs and sanctions, assess client risk, maintain audit trails and apply consistent rules across onboarding and ongoing monitoring. From real-time alerts and risk-based reporting to seamless digital onboarding with biometric checks, VOCA ensures that businesses can confidently meet regulatory obligations, protect against financial crime, and maintain clear audit trails for every transaction. Real-time verified data across industries By combining the scale of SearchWorks with the regulatory precision of VOCA, SW360 equips businesses with a comprehensive, end-to-end ecosystem for data intelligence and compliance. Together, these solutions enhance decision-making, improve operational efficiency, and protect organisations against risk. CONTACT DETAILS HEAD OFFICE 2 Waterford Mews, Century City, Cape Town, 7441 Tel: +27 (0)87 330 7577 E-mail: info@sw360.co.za Website: www.sw360.co.za Leaders Profile Latest News Company News Blog Keep up with the latest trends and insights. Check out our blog today! Read More Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

< Back Laiela Paruk Dorasamy Next LAIELA PARUK DORASAMY is the owner of Ahavah Consulting, a Level 1 B-BBEE company which was established in May 2018. The core focus of Ahavah Consulting is to supply companies with items that require a personal touch LAIELA PARUK DORASAMY is the owner of Ahavah Consulting, a Level 1 B-BBEE company which was established in May 2018. The core focus of Ahavah Consulting is to supply companies with items that require a personal touch. This includes branded stationery, bespoke gifting, promotional giveaways, corporate gifts, conference packs, goody bags, prizes, point of sale, branded corporate and promotional attire. "Helping my clients to find the most appropriate gift to present to their customers, is what I am most passionate about," she says. "Ahavah is a verb as well as a noun; the Hebrew word means "To give" and "To love". Love is giving. The actual process of giving should develop the connection between the giver and the receiver." This intentional act of doing is central to the way that Laiela runs her business and she will always go the extra mile to ensure that her clients are happy. She has had 15 years of experience in the public relations and marketing sector, specifically in event management, project management and below the line marketing campaigns which include: in store activations, trade shows, school activations and brand ambassador programmes. Laiela has a keen insight and a vast network of suppliers, enabling her to offer astute service, tailored to your specific needs. She says that she is dedicated to getting the job done, in excellence, on time and within budget! All things work together Laiela says that everything that she has done in life and everything that she has learnt, including all the people that she has encountered, both positive and negative, all contribute to where she is today. As a committed Christian, Laiela believes strongly in Romans 8:28, that, "All things work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose." She added, "Hard work and prayer to me are the ultimate combination for success." In reflecting on her personal journey, Laiela said that her father had owned a jewellery and gift store in Newcastle, where she grew up. "I worked alongside him from a very early age, where I gained many valuable lessons, amongst them, customer relationships, consistency and discipline." Laiela says that she is someone who finds inspiration all around her every day. "Since the inception of my business, I have really drawn inspiration from the amazing women I have had the privilege to meet, mostly through networking. Their stories and journeys are really inspiring and have really kept me motivated and encouraged, not because they are strong women, but because they are real women, with all their challenges, hurdles and different backgrounds, all holding each other up, like mighty Sequoia trees." In addition, she says that Pastor Vernon Jacob, who leads The Embassy Church, where she is a member, also inspires her with his relevant and encouraging messages that he shares with the congregation including teachings on process, transition and dis-couragement, all of which are effective in helping her navigate through life on a daily basis. Laiela explains further, "He is a man of excellence and embodies love, two qualities that I believe every human should aspire to." The Best Person for the Job In responding to the question of whether she feels women have to have a different approach to business than men to get to be successful, Laiela says that she does not like to differentiate between men and women in terms of roles or abilities. She commented, "Generally when it comes to doing anything, to me it's about the best person for the job, irrespective of race, gender, culture or any other stereotype we tend to impose." "I believe that if you love what you do, if you give it your best, and are willing to learn and work hard, then you are unlikely to fail." Laiela is happy with what she has accomplished so far but has an ambition to see Ahavah Consulting grow further. "To be where I am after a relatively short period of time, is more than I could have hoped or imagined, that said, there is always so much more that can be achieved. I would love to see my business grow, to employ and empower people and make an impact on their future as well as their future generations. If we all set out to change a few lives, we can contribute to a significant overall change, without waiting for someone else to do something." Achieving a work-life balance As Laiela's husband runs a safety and corporate wear company, which complements her offering in many ways, they get to work together often and even share office space. This synergy, says Laiela, does help immensely with work-life balance as their children are their combined priority. "Our children are very passionate about helping us in our businesses, they love packing goody bags and tying bows and ribbons, anything they can assist us with in fact. My family is core to all that I am and all that I do and will always remain my priority." If Laiela could have given advice to her younger self, she would have said let her be who she is and has always been. "Let her be a dreamer who always wore her heart on her sleeve, the eternal optimist, always looking for the best in others and believing that life is about seizing every opportunity and living it to the fullest." Previous Next

< Back Thozeka Ntlukwane-Letuka Next THOZEKA NTLUKWANE-LETUKA wears many hats and has been described as an eco-warrior, philanthropist and mother to all. During her varied career, she has worked as a domestic worker, market researcher, transcriber, translator, training provider and as a community liaison officer THOZEKA NTLUKWANE-LETUKA wears many hats and has been described as an eco-warrior, philanthropist and mother to all. During her varied career, she has worked as a domestic worker, market researcher, transcriber, translator, training provider and as a community liaison officer. Her vision is: "To empower people and protect the environment through skills transfer and waste management consulting thereby creating sustainable livelihoods." Thozeka is the founder of Big Start Training and Development, which is a 100% black owned training provider. As she has a passion for the environment, her company concentrates on providing accredited conservation and environmental awareness education and training programmes. This includes training in water supply, sewerage, waste management and remediation activities, waste collection treatment, disposal activities and material recovery. Thozeka identified a gap in many current training programmes, which do not offer tailor made training that is in line with the age, ethnic background and the indigenous language of the communities trained. This gap results in a disconnect in understanding and lowers the value received from training. She says, "I am where I am today by working hard, perseverance, and through a desire to change people's behaviour about the environment. People are losing their respect for nature; they pollute rivers and dump litter everywhere and have lost touch with where they have come from." Working tirelessly Thozeka has always been a busy woman. During her early working career, she explains that although she had a helper and a washing machine, she would wake up at 4 am to do washing and by 6 am she was at her first job in Westville. At that stage she was doing three jobs. She added that she has achieved in her career by working tirelessly because as a woman you need to strive to succeed. "You need to be tough. However, women have a strong sense of the need to accomplish their missions. They are willing to strategise and even to fail in their attempts to succeed." Thozeka has been recognised for her efforts and has been awarded a certificate of achievement by the Durban University of Technology and the Inter-national Centre of Non-violence for Durban Leader-ship programme. Fostering community participation In reflecting on her achievements, Thozeka, said that highlights of her career have included creating job opportunities in the environmental sector. She is proud of her role in fostering community parti-cipation in waste management and food production, and in encouraging communities to adopt food production techniques that focus on the agricultural sector to improve the availability and quality of food. Thozeka is the community liaison officer for the Aller River Pilot Project, which is a 'Take Back Our Rivers' initiative run by the eThekwini Conservancies Forum. River pollution is a topic that has always been close to her heart. She says, "In the olden days, rivers were dear to everyone, our parents respected the environment and rivers were used for many things, but because people's lifestyle has changed, we have neglected this important resource." "We need to start saving water because of climate change and we need to educate communities and schools to harvest water and recycle before it is too late. It is important to eliminate toxic waste that pollutes the rivers. This can be achieved by educating informal settlements about separating and selling waste and by not polluting the rivers." Plastic is a curse, but it can be re-cycled and re-used. Thozeka has encouraged women in co-operatives to up cycle plastics by making hats, mats, handbags and outfits. This initiative by the Aller River Pilot Project Eco -Champ for Up Cycling, won an award at the Ecologic Awards in Cape Town in June 2019. A wish list While Thozeka is satisfied with what she has achieved, she has a wish list. In the future she would like to see women and youth owning up cycle shops, for Big Start Training and Development to grow and do business in neighbouring countries, and to have a Further Education and Training (FET) college. Help to realise this dream has materialised as Big Start Training and Development has been selected to participate in Seda Durban's Small enterprise coaching programme (SECP) during 2019/2020. She would like to see more youth working or doing practical jobs because, as she explains, many of them leave schools or colleges with theory that does not help them to earn a living. "I am working with graduates, who are unemployed, to obtain practical experience in the workplace. I make them aware that volunteering helps to practice skills and increase knowledge because all companies ask for experience before offering employment and need references." Thozeka's passion for community upliftment is apparent. In 2008/9 she invested back into her hometown of Philippolis, which is a small town in the Free State. She built an old age home for the elderly who did not have anyone to take care of them. Value time and dream big Speaking of work-life balance, Thozeka said she did not want to get married as she felt she would not be able to do all her work and have time to spend with a husband. Now that she has done a lot for the community, Thozeka has finally settled down with her husband, a pastor, whom she describes as a perfect fit. "I have been blessed with a hard-working partner, a perfect delight." When asked what advice she would give her younger self, Thozeka said she would say to value time and dream big. "Take one step at a time and prioritise; ask for an advice and be confident about what you are doing." Previous Next

The Nic Carroll 2021 Collection Thobeka Dlongolo Managing Director Biza iAfrica Consultants If you have the passion and the focus, and if you have the dream; you can take yourself to a better level and independence Thobeka Dlongolo

The Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) The Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) The Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) This is a great place to add a tagline. I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. It's easy.